Oliver RoyThe 5 best preschools in Montreal for happy early learning
Time flies fast. One moment, you’re just a regular customer at baby stores. Next, you’re already browsing on Google about preschools in your area. This shift just means one thing: your baby is growing up.
Choosing a preschool is a crucial thing. This would serve as the second home of your kid and their first exposure to other people.
The best preschool isn’t just about reputation. It’s about finding a place where your child feels happy, safe, and ready to learn. After deep research from our team, here are the best preschools in Montreal that just execute all of that!
How much do private preschools cost in Montreal?
Private preschools in Montreal usually cost about $400–$1,300 per month for most programs. Some more premium schools can go higher, while subsidised daycare options are much cheaper.
How we chose the best preschools in Montreal
1. Imagination Preschool & Nursery
Address: 351 Blvd Robert-Bourassa
Phone: +1 514 789 0656
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
After looking into Imagination Preschool & Nursery, their human side seems to be one of their biggest assets. Every teacher and staff are reported as patient, understanding, and genuinely invested in children.
Their curriculum blends Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and HighScope ideas. This approach points them to independence and exploration.
Communication skills are also developed here since they’re bilingual (French and English). They expose the kids to songs and play, so it seems more natural than formal language drills.
Based on feedback, they seem to have special activities and events that go beyond standard daycare offerings. This can create a more memorable experience for children.
Where they seem less strong is in administration and managing demands. One parent was frustrated that she had paid a deposit, only to be placed on the waitlist for the rest of the year without receiving any follow-up.
She received exceptional care and attention
“My daughter attended Imagination Duke & I would give her experience there more than 5 starts if I could. She received exceptional care and attention and was significantly more advanced academically (+ bilingual!) than most other kids when she started kindergarten. We have since moved to another neighborhood and yet I am considering an inconvenient commute to have my son attend Imagination.”
Marina Byezhanova, Google review
I wish I could give them infinite stars!
“I wish I could give them infinite stars! This school was the best thing that happened in our lives! My daughter loved it so much, her teachers, coordinators, friends… everything there is perfect! She loved it so much she was constantly asking us to take her to school on weekends! She never back back with a rash, a complain, a problem – they allowed her to be the happiest kid in the world!..”
Natacha Mahler, Google review
2. Orchard House
Address: 4180 Grand Blvd. #4176-4178
Phone: +1 514 483 6556
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Orchard House seems to be the kind of place families stay for years. Parents usually keep one child there, then enrol a younger sibling later. For us, that already signals a high level of satisfaction.
We also have to applaud their structure. During mornings, sessions are more Montessori-style learning. When the afternoon comes, children collaborate and play with their peers.
They’re great at creating a nurturing environment while also making steady developmental progress. Several feedback mentioned children thriving socially, emotionally, and academically. We always love that balance.
The on-site nurse is also a major plus. At this age, minor illnesses are part of life, so having a medically trained professional there is reassuring. From what we’ve heard, they also provide healthy meals for the children.
They really keep their class sizes small, so availability can be limited. If you’re lucky enough to get your child enrolled here, there’s nothing else to be worried about!
The perfect home away from home for our kids
“Two of my children have graduated from Orchard House these past two years and my last baby is starting there this fall. The perfect home away from home for our kids with such a dedicated and caring staff. Our kids learnt so much academically but also very much so life/manners wise. The school makes sure your kids are prepared and have the tools necessary before starting kindergarten. I cannot thank them enough for the peace of mind they provide us parents every day and for the years of wonderful memories they created for our kids.”
Ariana Namiranian, Google review
I truly believe there’s no better place for my child to be!
“I truly believe there’s no better place for my child to be! The staff and administration are exceptional on every level. From the warm welcomes every day, to the weekly communications to parents, the wonderfully developed educational program , the selection of extracurricular activities, the delicious/healthy food served, the purpose built facility! This should be the gold standard for all early childhood programs. My child is thriving, and is happy everyday to go to school, orchard house is setting her up for success. I am truly inspired by how this place is run! Keep up the amazing work.”
Vanessa Blandfold, Google review
3. Nursery Academy Preschool Petite Patrie
Address: 6650 Rue Saint-Urbain
Phone: +1 514 543 1413
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:45 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
If child engagement is important to you, Nursery Academy Preschool Petite Patrie is a strong contender.
Several parent experiences point to toddlers happily running into the classroom at drop-off, eager to join their friends and teachers. The reactions are always the opposite of when you take your child to a kids’ dentist!
They really keep children enriched here. Weekly music and yoga classes are not standard at many preschools, especially when combined with arts, outdoor play, and library activities.
Academically, they keep it balanced. Besides the play-based curriculum, they also introduce reading, writing, and basic math concepts in age-appropriate ways.
When we came for a visit, the facilities were impressive too. It’s clean, bright, and new.
The downside is that costs are higher than other preschool options in Montreal, especially with the enhanced activity offering.
The location is clean and bright
“Excellent daycare. My son has been going there for a year (13-24 month old), and we are very happy. The location is clean and bright, the communication is always excellent. Whenever we needed adjustments of the schedule (naps or early potty training), APPP was able to accommodate our needs to reasonable degree. Most importantly: my toddler is happy to be there and never cries at drop-off. He can barely wait to change his shoes before running away to kids and educators.”
Veranika Liaukevich, Google review
His development improved a lot
“It’s with heavy heart that I have to leave this day care. My son came in when he was only 4 months old. I was sceptical at first, but from day 1 they really reassured me. My baby has always been happy to go to day care every morning. He enjoyed his time there and was treated very well. His development improved a lot and became very social. I’m so sad I have to leave and hope to come back. I definitely recommend this place as my baby felt secured, loved and cared. Great team and keep the great job!”
Ngakomelissa Melissa, Google review
4. Blossom Academy
Address: 5594 Sherbrooke St W
Phone: +1 514 313 7721
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Blossom Academy’s curriculum seems thoughtfully arranged by developmental stage.
Based on what we’ve heard, younger toddlers are introduced through sensory exploration. The older children are prepared for kindergarten.
That progression matters because it suggests children aren’t just being supervised. They’re also guided through age-appropriate learning milestones. We also loved that besides English and French, they also expose children to Spanish!
They keep their child-to-teacher ratio low. For parents who want to be assured that their kids are getting personalised attention, this is gold. It also helps more sensitive children not get overwhelmed too fast.
However, the preschool experienced some ownership changes lately. The result? Many teachers were turned over. For families who prioritise consistency above all else, this might be a problem.
Our family couldn’t be happier with the care they receive
“Blossom Academy has been a wonderful place for my cousins, and our family couldn’t be happier with the care they receive. The fact that the center is overseen by a nurse brings an extra level of comfort and trust, knowing safety is a top priority. The team is incredibly responsive and thoughtful when it comes to meeting each child’s needs, and they keep families well-informed at all times. The teachers create a warm, supportive environment, and the facility is cheerful and inviting. Most importantly, the kids look forward to going every day and truly enjoy being there. I would confidently recommend Blossom Academy to any family searching for a caring and dependable daycare”
Vicki Kakaroubas, Google review
I’d recommend Blossom Academy
“Blossom Academy has been incredible for our family. It’s run by a nurse, so I know my kids are in the safest and most trusting hands. The staff is so accommodating to my girls needs and they communicate so well with us, which gives me real peace of mind. The educators are caring, the space is bright and welcoming, and my girls are happy and excited to go every morning. They absolutely love it. I’d recommend Blossom Academy to any parent looking for a nurturing and trustworthy daycare.”
Christina Victoria, Google review
5. Garderie Éducative Harmonie D’enfance
Address: 6995 Av. Victoria
Phone: +1 514 739 9393
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7 AM – 6 PM
Harmonie D’enfrance understands that children develop at different speeds. They create the right environment for children so they can thrive more.
They’re also bilingual here. This is great news because preschool-aged children have the strongest language absorption. One family even mentioned their daughter confidently performing songs in both French and English during an event.
That tells us the bilingual offering likely goes beyond basic vocabulary exposure and is woven into daily routines.
Another standout is nutrition! Meals and snacks are prepared daily in-house. Add halal and vegetarian options, which makes them more accessible.
We were also impressed by how cleanliness is their priority. Their facilities are disinfected daily and nightly here.
Considering they’re a family-run spot, spots can fill up quickly. We suggest enrolling your kids here early.
I am beyond grateful to have found this daycare
“I am beyond grateful to have found this daycare. My son Isaiah, who is 3½, was previously told he was regressing at another daycare, which was very distressing for us. From the moment we came here, the staff were loving, caring, and truly attentive to his needs. It quickly became clear that Isaiah didn’t have any issues—he just needed the right approach and age-appropriate activities. He is now thriving. The staff, the owner, and especially Laura, the head manager, are absolutely amazing. We are truly blessed.”
Martine Jodoin, Google review
They are all approachable, friendly, kind and caring
“I highly recommend this daycare to everybody. I was due to give birth to my daughter and we were looking for a day care for my 15 month old son. Laura made everything so easy and straightforward from the beginning and my son could start straight away. In a week of our son being there I could see a transformation. Giving himself his bottle following instructions, socialising with peers and creating lovely art work each week. All of the staff gave our son an exceptional level of perfesionalism with daily feedback, verbally and via the app so you can keep track of your child’s progress. The staff make each day fun and exciting, They are all approachable, friendly, kind and caring. Do not hesitate about putting your child into this daycare. We miss you all.”
Samantha Squire, Google review
